Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Chili with a Kick

O this chili is so yummy! The hubbs and I have made it a couple of different times, and we love it. I think the beauty of this chili is that it is fairly easy, and it light on the beans...I love beans, but I always find that chili just has too many for my liking. This recipe has just the perfect kick, and the cocoa powder, although it sounds strange, really gives depth to the flavor of this meal. I can’t wait to eat it again...in a few months when the pregnancy heartburn stops! Enjoy it for me while I can’t!Chili with a KickPrintable Version6 slices bacon2 pounds ground beef 1 large onion, chopped4 cloves chopped garlicKosher salt1/4 cup chili powder1Tbs. ground cumin2 tsp. paprika2 tsp. dried oregano2 Tbs. tomato paste1 6-ounce bottle lager beer2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder1 28-ounce can fire roasted tomatoes2 cups beef broth, plus more if needed2 15-ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed1 tablespoon hot sauceShredded cheddar cheeseSour creamCook the bacon in a large saucepan over medium heat until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and let cool, then mince. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings from the saucepan and reserve the drippings. Increase the heat to medium high, add the beef and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate using a slotted spoon; wipe out the pan.Heat 1 tablespoon of the reserved bacon drippings in the saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and 1 teaspoon salt and cook 2 minutes. Add all spices and tomato paste and cook, stirring, until the tomato paste is brick red, a few minutes. Add the beer and simmer until almost completely reduced, about 3 minutes.Stir in the beef, cocoa powder, tomatoes, beef broth and beans and bring to a simmer over low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens slightly, about 1 hour, 30 minutes.Stir the hot sauce into the chili and season with salt. Ladle into bowls and top with the crumbled bacon, cheese, and sour cream.Recipe adapted from Food Network MagazineServes 8